2 Royal Caribbean Lines To Resume Caribbean Cruises In June

MIAMI (AP) — Two Royal Caribbean cruises will resume in June, ending a yearlong hiatus, but passengers 18 and older must test negative for COVID-19 before getting on a ship.

The company’s Celebrity Cruises subsidiary said Friday that its Celebrity Millennium ship will relaunch on June 5 from St. Maarten. One itinerary will stop in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados, and another will stop in Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said returning to the Caribbean “marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s namesake line will start a week later with a voyage leaving from Nassau, the Bahamas on the Adventure of the Seas.

In both cases, passengers 18 and older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of boarding the ship.

With the Caribbean such a popular destination, “It’s not entirely surprising to see both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean finding a way to return to the region,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor or Cruise Critic, a website that reviews cruises. “But it is massive news for the cruise industry, and for the Caribbean itself.”

In the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten, tourism accounts for nearly 80% of all jobs, and nearly 80% of tourists arrive on cruise ships.

Shares of Miami-based Royal Caribbean rose more than 2% Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has held up cruise ship operations in U.S. waters since March 2020, although it has laid out guidelines for cruises to resume with conditional sailing certificates.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for American customers. So is Alaska, but the Canadian government has banned cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers through February 2022, which will stop many ships from visiting Alaska this summer. The ships accounted for most of Alaska’s 1.3 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.

Back in Business: Divi Little Bay Proves Successful Since Reopening in May On St. Maarten

Divi Little Bay one of several Divi Resorts receiving multi-million dollar renovations and upgrades.

ST. MAARTEN -- Things are looking up at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten and at other resorts in the Divi family. It's been two months since the Divi Little Bay reopened and just ten months since Hurricane Irma blew through the island, causing widespread damage. Now the resort is open once again and welcoming back loyal guests, owners and members to a completely new St. Maarten experience.

"Refreshed rooms, updated restaurants and exciting new features are around every corner at the new Divi Little Bay," said Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO. "We've gotten lots of positive feedback on the changes we've made so far and we're looking forward to finishing up even more later this year."

New amenities and features open now include: 

• - Units refreshed from top to bottom with all new lighting, furniture, window treatments, water-saving toilets, interior paint, shower doors, faucets, crown molding, baseboards, 49" LED TVs, laptop safes, bluetooth alarm/clock/radio, interior doors and hardware, patio doors, appliances, HVAC, in-room Wi-Fi, electrical devices and panels, solar water heaters, exterior lighting and repaired roofs
• - Updated Seabreeze Pool and new menus at Seabreeze Restaurant
• - Fort Amsterdam Cafe (formerly Bayview Cafe) has been transformed with gourmet coffee and a new menu
• - Updated Gizmo's Bar & Grill with an extended deck and new menu, including beach service
• - Newly reopened Aqua Mania water sports center
• - Indulgence by the Sea Spa
• - All on-site shops
• - Aqua Mania water sports center
• - Completely updated landscape throughout the entrance and resort
• - New Adirondack chairs and cabana beds added to the beach

Other features scheduled to reopen in the fall include: 

• - New eatery called The Shack featuring Caribbean BBQ, Jerk, Roti and more
• - Stunning new main pool, pureocean pool (formerly the Casitas Pool), which will be enlarged with a new pureocean pool bar, waterfalls and expansive pool seating area
• - Expanded pureocean Restaurant and pureocean terrace
• - Updated Infinity pool
• - New kid's space and game room

"The resort transformation from September until now is unbelievable and our guests have definitely taken notice," said Divi Little Bay's General Manager Anne-Marie Brooks. "We've been humbled by how many positive reviews and comments we've received about the changes. We truly can't wait until the entire resort is completed in the fall so guests can enjoy everything Divi Little Bay has to offer!"

Photos of the resort can be found on Divi Little Bay's Facebook Page or by visiting https://bit.ly/2KLbU11.

Divi Little Bay isn't the only resort with a new look. Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort on Aruba recently underwent a massive, multi-million dollar renovation, which included modernized suites, three beautifully redesigned pools, a stunning swim-up bar, a brand new check-in building and more. In addition, Divi Resorts in the progress of revamping Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados and Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort on Aruba with plans to finish up those projects soon.

Travelers wishing to visit one of Divi's stunning resort destinations can receive 30% off with Divi's High Tides & Good Vibes offer when booking between now and September 30, 2018 for all 2018 and 2019 travel dates. With rates as low as $155 per night room only and $178 per person, per night all-inclusive, and travel dates through the end of 2019, it's the perfect time to book. Plus, with Divi's Kids Stay & Eat Free Program* and exciting kid's activities, even the youngest travelers will have plenty to do, without the added cost.

Divi's High Tides & Good Vibes offer runs from now until September 30, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET, for all 2018 and 2019 travel dates. For reservations, book online at http://www.diviresorts.com/caribbean-promotion.htm or call 1-800-367-3484 (Toll-free US) or 1-919-419-3484 (International). For group reservations, please call 1-800-801-5550 or email groupsales@diviresorts.com.

*For more information on Divi's Stay & Eat Free Program or activities for kids please visit http://www.diviresorts.com/kids.htm. Parent or guardian must accompany children at all activities.

About Divi Resorts 
Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean, with a collection of eight premium resorts spanning the five stunning Caribbean islands of Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten. For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1-800-367-3484 or visit http://www.diviresorts.com.

St. Maarten-St. Martin Tourism Continues Steady Recovery With New Flights And Hotel Reopenings After Hurricanes Irma And Maria

St. Maarten-St. Martin

The tourism industry in St. Maarten-St. Martin continues to recover at a rapid pace as airlines add new service to The Friendly Island and hotels reopen following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.

New Flights

American Airlines recently announced that it has increased seat capacity on their daily flight from Miami upgrading their Miami International Airport (MIA) – Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) route to a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 160 passengers. In addition, American Airlines will be adding a daily nonstop flight to St. Maarten from its hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) starting November 4th, 2018, as well as a second daily nonstop from Miami effective December 19th, 2018. Both new flights are currently bookable and will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of 128 passengers.

Flights Already Resumed

American Airlines is the latest to announce new service to St. Maarten. St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) continues to report great progress in terms of improved connectivity as the year progresses. As of May 2018, two-thirds of all carriers that provided flights to and from the award-winning airport have resumed regular service. From the United States, travelers can fly to St. Maarten with United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Seaborne Airlines. Service from Toronto is available on WestJet, and Dominican carrier Air Century, and Panama-based Copa Airlines have returned as well.

“Due to the collaborative efforts by all stakeholders and the community at large, St. Maarten has been able to make a quick turnaround,” said St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Cornelius De Weever. “We are grateful to the return of all airlines and the reopening of our properties.”

“This shows the confidence American Airlines has in the comeback of St. Maarten/St. Martin, the public and private sector have been working continuously with American Airlines to ensure that the flights return in a balanced way complementing the re-opening of various accommodations,” added St. Maarten’s Interim Head of Tourism, May-Ling Chun.

Hotels & Activities

As of May 2018, there are just under 2,000 bookable rooms available across the entire island. 122 villas and condos are open for business island-wide, boutique hotels and guest houses are ready to accommodate travelers, and several larger properties have conducted soft openings in order to welcome back guests. Amongst the larger properties, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Simpson Bay Resorts & Marina and Oyster Bay Beach Resort opened their doors. Many of these properties are currently offering promotional discounts for travel through the end of 2018. Additionally, Sonesta also announced projected openings for the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Spa scheduled for November 15, 2018 and February 1, 2019, respectively.

87% of all on-island activities are also available for guests to enjoy. Popular offerings at Aqua Mania Adventures, Flavors of St. Maarten, Rainforest Adventures, Lee’s Deep Sea Fishing, the Topper’s Rhum Distillery and more are open to visitors looking to experience fun and unforgettable times and do more than just relax on one of St. Maarten’s 37 stunning beaches. For those looking to get a taste of St. Maarten’s famous cuisine, the vast majority of restaurants on the Dutch side are open, especially along the Front Street, Boardwalk, Simpson Bay and Maho Stripes, providing travelers with a wide range of gastronomic options.

Divi Resorts Is Celebrating The Start Of Spring With Up To 50% Off And The Return Of Their 7-Night Easter Caribbean Giveaway!

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort & Casino, St. Maarten (PRNewsFoto/Divi Resorts)

'

 Divi Resorts is kicking off the spring season with five days of incredible deals during their Easter 

Caribbean Sale and bringing back their popular 7-Night Easter Caribbean Giveaway.

Divi Resorts Easter Caribbean Sale runs midnight to midnight from March 21st-25th with new travel

 specials released each day ondiviresorts.com. Specials include up to 50% off room rates, specially

 priced resort/air packages, and discounted rates on all-inclusive stays and dive specials. To learn

 more about the sale, visit http://www.diviresorts.com/caribbean-easter.htm.

In addition to the Easter Caribbean Sale, Divi Resorts will re-launch their popular 7-Night Easter 

Caribbean Giveaway. Anyone can enter to win a free seven-night trip to the Divi Resort of their 

choice on Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados or St. Maarten, but extra entries are handed out to those

 who make a reservation during Divi's Easter Caribbean Sale. To enter the contest or to learn more, visithttp://www.diviresorts.com/caribbean-easter.htm. The 7-Night Easter Caribbean Giveaway starts

 on March 17 and ends on March 25, 2016 at midnight. The winner will be selected on April 4, 2016.

"Divi Resorts are the ultimate Caribbean destinations for couples, friends and families looking to have

 an unforgettable time at a beachside resort. With our Easter Caribbean Sale, the islands are more

 affordable than ever," said Jason Price, Director of Revenue and Sales Management for Divi Resorts. 

"What makes this sale even more exciting is that someone is going to win a free trip to the Divi

 Resort of their choice through our Easter Caribbean Giveaway."

About Divi Resorts

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean, with a collection of eight premium resorts

 spanning the five stunning Caribbean islands of Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten.

 For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1-800-367-3484, 919-419-3484 or visitwww.diviresorts.com.

 The Divi Resorts logo is the Service Mark of Divi Hotels, Inc.; its use represents the group of resort

 companies owned by the registrant or operating under the registrant's Divi Resorts brand.

Divi Resorts' 99-Hour Sale Offers 55% Savings On Caribbean Getaways With Rates Starting At $99 A Night

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten

Rates start as low as $99 per night!

Starting on February 11, 2016, Caribbean vacations at Divi Resorts are exclusively on sale for 99 hours,

 with savings up to 55 percent off and rates starting at $99 per night. Book a trip to Aruba, Barbados, 

Bonaire or St. Maarten by February 15, 2016 to access these huge savings at the Divi Resorts

 destination of your choice. Travel dates are available from April 1 through June 30, 2016.

"This limited time sale provides a great opportunity for an affordable and unforgettable getaway

 this spring," says Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO. "Those seeking a romantic

 getaway, a Caribbean escape, an underwater adventure, or an affordable vacation will love Divi Resorts'

 stylish accommodations, friendly service and impressive locations."

Every Divi Resort is a great value. Most resorts are all-suite properties, ranging in size from studios

 to two-bedrooms, and offer fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and private balconies or

 patios with ocean, pool or garden views. The spacious suites are great for travelers who want to

 stretch out or people with kids wanting more room. Children under 12 stay, eat and enjoy the

 Treasures of the Caribbean kids' activity club for free at most resorts, so families can save even

 more on their vacations. Divi Resorts also welcomes individual travelers by not charging a

 supplemental fee for single guests.

During this limited time 99-hour sale, those looking to whisk away to the Caribbean can expect:

55 Percent Savings,

• At Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados, rates start at $99 per night
• At Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba, rates start at $109 per night

50 Percent Savings,

• At Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort on Aruba, rates start at $99 per night
• At Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino on Bonaire, rates start at $99 per night

45 Percent Savings,

• At Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten, rates start at $125 per night
• At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort on Aruba, rates start at $165 per night
• 
  

Each resort is also full of extra amenities including freshwater pools with swim up bars, on-site

 restaurants, tennis courts, kids' activity clubs, water sports centers, indulgent spas and more.

More information can be found at http://www.diviresorts.com/99-hour-sale.htm or by calling

 800-367-3484 (Toll-free) or 919-419-3484 (International) Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (ET).

 Travel dates are available from April 1 to June 30, 2016. 

About Divi Resorts

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean, with a collection of eight premium resorts spanning the five stunning Caribbean islands of Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten. For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1-800-367-3484 or visitwww.diviresorts.com.

Celebrity Cruises Enhances Caribbean Itineraries to Offer Guests More Overnights And Up To $600 In Savings When Booked By May 31st

Celebrity Cruises is offering guests an unmatched experience by introducing additional overnight stays on more than 40 Caribbean sailings for January 2016 and beyond, more than any other cruise line. The popularity of Celebrity's current overnight program has led to 43 newly enhanced itineraries, giving guests the chance to enjoy exciting evenings in destinations such as Cartagena, Colombia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; Aruba; Curacao and Barbados. 

"Guests and travel agents love our overnight program in Europe, Asia and around the world, and their feedback has been amazing. This demand led us to revisit our current Caribbean itineraries and add even more overnights in one of the most beautiful places we sail to each year,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With more overnights in the Caribbean than any other cruise line, we are offering our guests an incredible, unrivaled experience. They can enjoy the destination like a local before returning to our stylish, modern luxury ships."

In addition, when qualifying guests book by May 31, they can save with Celebrity's “Pick Your Perk” offer. There are four options for vacationers to choose from: $600 in savings when booking air travel using Celebrity’s ChoiceAir, free Classic beverage packages, free gratuities, or up to $300 to spend on board. For more details and to take advantage of this incredible offer, guests can visit celebritycruises.com/pick-your-perk-offer, call 1-800-CELEBRITY or contact their travel agent. 

Find more information about Celebrity’s newly enhanced Caribbean season at celebritycruises.com/caribbeanovernights. 

About Celebrity Cruises: 
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 10 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

Travelore Tips: 10 Practical Resources To Help Travelers Get To St. Barths

AirStMaarten offers travelers 10 practical resources to help them get to St. Barths effortlessly. Management and staff at AirStMaarten expect it to be a busy season for travelers trying to get to St. Barths in December and January and therefore we would like to publish an overview of our services that will come in handy this high season for travelers looking to fly to St. Barths. We have compiled a list of 10 practical resources to make travel planning to St. Barths as effortlessly as possible. These are... #1. Commercial Flights You can book commercial flights to St. Barths online at www.airstmaarten.com. Or you can submit a reservation request with your inbound connection flight information online at www.airsxm.com and we will send you an offer that fits your itinerary. #2. Private Charters You can book private flights to St. Barths with us by submitting a reservation request with your inbound connection flight information online at www.airsxm.com and we will send you an offer for a private charter that will allow you to fly to St. Barths VIP style. #3. St. Barths by Air Comparison Site Visit www.stbarths-by-air.com for a list of the options how to get to St. Barths and the respective fares, rates and fees for our commercial flights, private charters, shared charters and VIP services. (Special rates are applicable this season.) #4. Shared Charters Schedule Visit www.sharedcharters.com for a list of the available shared charters to St. Barths this season. Remember, if you don't see anything scheduled to fit your itinerary, just simply submit a reservation request with your inbound connection flight information online at www.airsxm.com and we will schedule a shared charter for you so that you can fly to St. Barths with all the amenities and services of a private charter. #5. AirStMaarten VIP Services For a smooth and hassle-free transit through SXM Airport, you can book our VIP Meet, Greet, Escort, Immigration Clearance, Luggage Assist & Transfer Services at http://www.airsxm.com/vipservices. Our rates starts at $150 per couple. #6. AirStMaarten Private Jet Charters Before you can get to St. Barths, you need to get to down to the Caribbean first. You can do so by commercial flight, but you can also choose to fly by private jet as we are now offering our jetset clients the option to request a private jet quote via http://www.airsxm.com/private-jet-charters. We have partnered with several private jet operators to bring you down to St. Maarten, Anguilla or St. Kitts so that you can connect with our turboprop charter flights to St. Barths. This service will guarantee you a smooth and seamless connection to St. Barths. #7. Group Air Charters The group bookings we are getting are growing in number of passengers per group - 50 to 100 passengers - and for this we are required to source bigger aircrafts for our clients. You can read more about our Group Air Charter Services here. #8. Group Discounts To get the best fare possible for your group to St. Barths, even if they are flying in on different commercial airliners, you can benefit from our group discount service as we can group them and put them on our shared charters. Click here to read how you can get our group discount for your party. #9. Luggage Transfer Service To St. Barths For the extremely busy days before and after the holidays, we are organizing luggage transfers to St. Barths for late arrivals. Read more online here>>> #10. Helicopter Transfers To St. Barths Finally, you can also charter a helicopter through us to fly you to St. Barths. Here is the technical information such as the luggage capacity on the helicopter and for bookings, please submit a reservation request online at www.airsxm.com.